Laptop freezes continually

[WJP]

I'm talking at least once, probably up to max about four times a day. This is when I'm using it (first everything on the page stops responding, then after a few seconds the mouse freezes too) or when I'm not (if I leave it on and haven't used it it does it sometimes - particularly if I've got music or something playing).

As a non-techy, is there anything I should try before I go and throw myself on the mercy of the computer shop? If it's something simple it'd save me a trip that's all, but if it's something more serious I'll take it in because this is my main work laptop.

 

[faradaykeynes]

Have you done antivirus scan? also make sure laptop is getting enough space for ventilation, overheating could be clocking CPU down. How much is RAM on laptop?

 

[WJP]

When I said I'm not techy, I meant I don't do it for a job. I'm not an idiot It's got 3GB of RAM.

 

[vmhosts]

When I said I'm not techy, I meant I don't do it for a job. I'm not an idiot It's got 3GB of RAM.

Have you recently changed any hardware like the memory? I have seen memory problems cause freezing before.

If it has 3GB then it probably has 1X 1GB dimm and another 2GB dimm. You could try removing one and see how it goes. Yes it will be slower but it shouldnt freeze. If it still Freezes try removing the other stick. You will need to put the other one back in

Short of that check the system event log. If it is a drive failure then you will often see windows complaining about errors. Could be some clues in there

 

[WJP]

I'll give it a go, thanks!

 

[Websitehandyman]

Before you run off shouting virus etc etc I suggest start at the most common problem with laptops. I had so many friends ask me about laptops that sudden stop of get hot now that I did a page for one solution you could try if you have had the laptop more then 6 months.

http://www.websitehandyman.co.uk/category/things-that-dont-fit-anywhere/

If you don't want to try that or it makes no difference, then just just the windows function to restore to when you know it last worked.

 

[workinprogress]

Start > Accessories > Defrag
Start > Accessories > Disk Clean Up

Turn laptop on press either F12 or F11 continuously to bring up safe mode then delete all unused files.

Failing that transfer files onto storage and format laptop / reinstall.

 

[kulture]

Next time your laptop freezes feel how hot it is. Many laptops overheat. Blocked fans and lack of air circulation being the biggest culprits. It may be worth taking it to a good local pc shop and get them to clean out the fan and perhaps putting fresh heat transfer stuff on the CPU to heat sink part.

Then consider getting a USB laptop cooler.

 

[vmhosts]

I dont think a defrag is going to help in this case. But if you are going to defrag, delete the unused files before you do the defrag

 

[pcproblems]

Here's a laptop that I took apart recently, you can see for yourself why it was overheating.. http://www.voltix.co.uk/why-does-my-laptop-overheat

Or this one if you want to see what yrs of dust and nicotene can do to a desktop.. Yes it's for real and photo taken by me

http://www.voltix.co.uk/overheating-computer